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Hi February Bandsters, I was banded on Feb 12 and took a little side trip. I have just now caught up on all your posts since I have been gone. Boy do you guys fly:) I think I had 25 pages to catch up on. It has been interesting reading about your bandings and recoveries. Hunger :hungry: and pain :sick seem to be common themes. I had a hiatal hernia fix as well as band placement and for some reason (I neglected to ask the doc) I swelled up tight, so tight I could not get liquids down. I sat in the hospital, hooked to an IV, spitting for 5 days. I was glad to go home but I still was not getting liquids down despite what the doc thought. My pain and anti nausea meds made me sicker so I got suppositories :omg: I know TMI, sorry. I was throwing up 2-3 times a day :cake: (I think my pouch was filling with saliva and when it got full up it came). It was actually a relief because it would take away the feeling of being incredibly full with lots of pressure on my chest. My break through came on day 8 (just in time) when I found out hot tea went through. I slept in a recliner because I had a kind of tugging or constriction feeling at my throat and later reflux issues. Two weeks after surgery I was able to sleep in a bed and I started back to work half-time. I have gotten better daily but I sure think I am a candidate for the pity party, just let me know when and I will be there;). Is there a silver lining here? Maybe, I missed the shoulder/gas pains. I had them but I was on morphine then so they were not an issue (just a little after I got home) as far as incision or port pain, I haven't even noticed if there was any. Now that I am on "the other side" of my complications I think they were minor in comparison to the inconvenience and discomfort some of you are going through. Hang in there :girl_hug: and hugs to you all. Good Journey, Terri

I had my surgery this afternoon. I've been in and out of sleep. The pain is very moderate. Honestly is just the gas. I've been trying to fart for a couple hours now lol tmi. The staff at my hospital are awesome. I'm not allowed to drink anything until tomorrow. Overall I feel great I hope I heal quickly. I'm so happy I did this????????????????

Life with Real Restriction... it IS what I asked for, right? It's complicated, I'll say that. :tt2: The first week after the fill, I was doing great, following all the normal band rules, no problems, even eating out at restaurants (but mind you, very small portions). Then suddenly it got much tighter and I wasn't expecting that! Breakfast was going to be cottage cheese with pineapple, but two bites in and I heard gurgling. So, I stopped and ended up with a Protein shake. Later that day, I attempted to eat some leftovers from one of those restaurant visits, and a couple of bites in, gurgling again. An hour and half later, I had thrown up (sorry, TMI) everything from the last 6 hours with stomach acid. Back to liquids for a couple of days -- I was so swollen and tight that even Water was gurgling! Ever since, it's been a battle at most meals to avoid the overactive salivary response. No more PBs, but several near misses. I don't track my calories, carbs, or anything... The only thing I do is to just make sure I get enough Protein by supplementing with a shake a day and maybe a protein bar or protein pudding. I don't want to be a slave to tracking my meals, I just want to eat like a 'Normo'. (Okay, other than the shake and stuff...) However, I also understand that this is perhaps why I don't lose weight at quite the rapid pace some of you do. So, as for a bump in calories, who would know if I don't track them?? :thumbup: Fortunately, brownies are not too much of a weakness and 2/3 of them have nuts to which I'm allergic!:thumbup: It's the cake and ice cream that are more tempting for me. Oh well, one birthday down, three to go. Sorry this got so long... I guess that's what happens when I stay quiet too long. P.S. Congrats, Lynn, on Onederland! I, too, made it there recently, but it's not really the SV I'm waiting for -- I can't wait to report when I've finally lost all my 'pregnancy weight'... and my 'baby' is only almost 9 years old!! :biggrin2:

Hi Lynn! I guess I thought I would be one of the people who could go back to work in one week. I do work at home sometimes. I actually just emailed my boss and told him that I could work only if I worked Thursday and Friday at home. I have more sick time, so that is not really the problem. If I do work at home those 2 days, it will be a good way to ease my way back into the office. I can get up and down when I please and dress as I like. We are pretty casual at work, but I think *******Warning Fenton TMI****** the no bra thing at work could be a problem. :scared2: Otherwise, I am slowly improving. I managed to gag down that gall bladder pill. YUCK! I am stopping by the Stanton pharmacy and getting the liquid version as soon as possible! It is hard enough to get all the Protein and liquid in even when it tastes good! That pill was nasty! Otherwise, I am feeling better! I wasn't sure if I ever was going to feel better, but I have more times now that I feel good than not. I actually have a ton of restriction. I went to the Olive Garden with family yesterday and had their Soup. I managed to take some sips of the broth. It was amazing! I am happy with the thought that I can taste and not gourge my way through life now! As far as telling. Well, I am keeping that to a minimum. I think it varies for everyone, but me personally nope, no way am I telling anyone else. The people in my life won't be surprised that I loose weight. I was on a diet by the dietician since January and have lost some weight anyway. If I really thought it would help someone, I would tell. I'm just not ready to have a nice conversation about how I took the easy way out. Nothing feels "easy" right now.

Don't worry about the TMI - I think we've all had that fear at one time or another. Let me tell you about a product that I've used when I've had a similar problem. It's called Kondremul Lubricant Laxative. It's a liquid and doesn't taste too horrible. I bought mine from CVS (Link here: CVS Online Pharmacy Store ) It's gentle on your tummy and it also softens the stool. Just thought I'd throw that out there for ya. :drool: I ordered mine from the website but I would love it if they could be ordered locally!

I've been doing the best i can to avoid PB'ing...that's why I have only had one protein shake for the past 3 days, I can feel that i'm full and dare not take another sip, but I have slimed a few times and because i'm so full I dare not swallow the saliva so i'm spitting it out...sorry TMI. My fill level i'm pretty sure is a little over 3.3 cc in a 4cc band. I realized it AFTER I got home from the fill (see my notes below) my Dr. and I both forgot to note one of my fills in my chart because I made my appt. under my nickname instead of my legal name so she didn't have my chart and must have lost her note before it made it into my chart ? Anyway, i'm sure i'm overfilled and at first thought well i'm getting alot down so no chance of dehydration so I was just going to ride it out for a week or so, but now this is not good.

I had a pretty big eating day yesterday! It felt like I was eating all day.. So I'm going to rein it in at least today because I feel very bloated. It doesn't help that I have about one bowel movement a week! I know tmi but its a fact of my life theses days! 0_o

Manatee... Isn't that just the wierdest thing...I don't understand why the fill gets tighter after some time. They always said it would be tight right after a fill, swelling irritation etc... but it seems just the opposite. I've never really heard a good explanation why it would get tighter after a couple of weeks?!? I get REALLY tight every month (TOM...I know, TMI, and not your issue) but that's explainable...everything swells! Just when I think I'm ready for a fill I have that week that just kicks my butt. And I know what you mean about going for the bad stuff that will slide down :0, it's nuts & cookies for me!

I just tried a quest protein bar. They are so sweet! Sugar is low so weird. I got diarrhea (tmi) 30 minutes later. I never liked candy bars so it makes sense these were too sweet for me. Too bad cuz I was hoping to have found an alternative to protein shakes

I sent Gina a pm...we speak the same language, 'cept I keep coming back here to bug ya'll. I sent you all the email about the NYE party. Almost didn't cause there were not "celeb's" but just cool people. Anyway...there it is! Jenn~ When is his bday? I am Cancer too, we are warm generous and very loving and loyal people. What is his name? Take it slow and keep us posted...DONT LEAVE OUT ANY DETAILS! On behalf of the Violets....YEAH!!! Don't go back to dumbass...you deserve better. A long life w/ love, peace and nachos and pulled pork! oxox Drinking my protien shake...been sooo long. Hope it wont give me is the runs. LOL...sorry, TMI I know. Love you girlies...in so many ways, you are the best part of my day! xoxoxoxo

Awesome. Not TMI at all, this is something I think everybody deals with. I do now even pre op. I have had days that I was super excited to have a good BM. You are doing great. I am so happy for you. Keep on doing what you are doing cause you are making this work for you. Sending you continued healing thoughts and prayers. Gentle Hugs

Hi All.....How was everyone's long weekend?? Short week this week YAY We got heaps done around the house and got a skip in to remove the old shed so at least we did something productive but I would have rather been out on the boat LOL Still got a lot to do but it's great when you can start to see progress.....helps to keep you motivated @@nerms You Go Girl we sure are gonna kick 2014's ass!!!!!! Not long to go now the time will fly by....and as for the pain...yes is uncomfortable but they have pain relief for that so my advice is USE IT....dont be shy in asking for it. My preadmin nurse said to me......if you are in pain, you shouldn't be. They have meds for that so if you are then tell them and they will fix it.....so true and I did this time and it all helped. Mind you I did have an idea of what to expect having had the band before and many operations after that to correct things so I think that all helped me to know what to expect and I must say I was pleasantly surprised! Yeah it's not all rainbows and lollipops, but its a small price to pay for what you get in return I think anyway @@Bee I hear ya about the arms......them and the boobs haha. I have never lost weight in my boobs....haev always been big busted but now I feel like they are used tea bags Once I lose all my weight gonna have to get that fixed LOL Yeah got tuck shop lady arms happening so will just do some light weights but hey, I am 41, have had 3 kids by c section and breast fed them all so saggy skin is a part of life for me I'm afraid.......sorry peeps for the tmi About the pain in your largest wound.....I was told that I would have pain in that for the longest and when I did too much I felt it there thats for sure. They told me that my stomach muscles were stitched to my stomach to prevent a hernia in the site....apparently its what they do at lap surgery......so they told me I will feel twinges and times of it being uncomfortable for some time....(from memory 6 to 8 weeks but you could have to check with the nurse) Just be careful about putting too much strain on it, you don't want to end up with problems. If you are concerned about the pain just call them they will talk to you about it. I know I am a lot more paranoid than most because of my weight loss surgery history, but nothing is worth stuffing it up believe me. I didn't ask about swimming and I love to swim....should have asked. I just know Ray said walking, gentle cycling and light weights sometimes but most important to just keep active. He said at this stage exercise wont add a lot to the weight loss (????) it will just help with fitness. I guess the insides take longer to heal even though I feel like I haven't had anything done at all now.

Omg I've had a couple of stucks ): I hate it. It actually makes me cry & my lovely fiancé is so supportive (: Wow what am emotional journey this is, very intense sometimes. Caution TMI coming up ... I hadnt had a "girl thing" for 6 months before my surgery... Now I've lost 10 kilos & badda bing badda boom my hormones have kicked back in & flow cam to town !! This is great news for me as my fiancé & I have been trying to have a baby for over a year. That was my main motivation for the surgery as my weight was severely effecting my fertility !! Anyways in super stoked (that means happy, in Aussie) & I hope you all are doing & feeling great ! Check back soonish ! All the best xxxxx

Wow, I leave for a bit and I see the old gang back!!! What an encouragement for me to see you guys back online! I can't talk (or type) long, It hurts to sit. I had my surgery last week, its been 1 week since I said good-bye to my uteris (i know tmi), but already feel like a new woman. It hurts down below, and hurts to sit but for the most part doing pretty good. I did not get the tummy tuck, mainly because the doc that was going to do it couldn't fit me in until Feb and I had to have my surgery in January. I couldn't go another month, just couldn't do it, tummy tuck or no tummy tuck, big bertha (My Uterys (sp??) had to go!!!! She was causing me misery!!!!! Anyhow, I will check back when I can sit and type longer, I just wanted to pop in and say hello! OH, by the way, you would think that taking something out of me the size of a beach ball would cause me to LOSE weight, but I put on 12 pounds since surgery, then turned around and lost 7 overnight. I guess so much liquids pumped into me, made me gain. I did have to spend 2 nights in the hospital. Well, again, gotta go, hurts to sit, but I promise to check in later. Night Night.

Hey Tracy, Do the prunes ever, um, swing the pendulum too far in the opposite direction? :guess I've had Irritable Bowel/Spastic Colitis all my life and tend to have diarrhea quite often (sorry if that one's TMI), that's why the bout with the constipation was such a surprise. I just don't want to aggravate my IBS any more that it already is. But on the flip side, I will admit that I'd rather have the diarrhea than be constipated like I was on Saturday. That was a very bad experience that I would prefer to never repeat (it involved about 30 minutes on the toilet, a lot of pain and some blood :welldoneclap: - again, sorry if it's TMI).

NOt official Friday Weigh in time but I'm so excited I had to post when I got home from work today I was a 228.6!!! Wait that's not the end you know I'm compulsive aobut weighing in I did my return home from work potty (sorry if TMI) and I was at 228 even. WooHoo!!!!!:mad: I'm really feeling restriction after this last fill, I'm actually at that 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food I'm eating soft soups now so I hope it won't be an issue once I go on solid food but right now I'm feeling ok.

I have a question: I am 4 days post op and my abdomen still feels really swollen...is this normal??? I went to TJ alone and had to handle my carryon through two airports on the way home, and it was definitely over 5 lbs. I know I overdid it, but what else could I have done? I have been dying of hunger, then I made the family a big roast with carrots and potatoes...no, I didn't eat any meat, but I did grab some of the broth and pureed a few potatoes and several carrots. I added a cup of beef broth to thin it and it was definitely a liquid. After only 1/2 cup, I felt better than I had all day! Saving the rest for tomorrow. I was eating jello and popsicles and chicken broth and it just wasn't gettin' it. I am amazed I feel so much better! My stomach is still very rumbly and dh can also hear the hunger pangs! No abdomen gas, but am getting some out the other direction! (tmi?---but feel so much better when I CAN!) Every once in a while I feel a 'wave' of my stomach---I don't really know what else to call it---but it is wierd and kind of hurts, but not much---just a really weird feeling---does anyone else have this???

Well hello fellow bandster hellians, Seems like we are all in this together. I am having more problems with head hunger I think. I don't really feel hungry because my stomach always feels bloated or gassy. I take the gas x strips and I do pass gas (tmi) but I still feel bloated. Nevertheless, I still have an urge to eat something. This is what makes me think it is only head hunger. I have not gotten on the scale since surgery on 12/17 but I go for my first post-op appt tomorrow so I will see what it says. I started at 282 prior to pre-op diet and was at 268-269 on the day of surgery. I am just feeling tired, although I am trying to get in the protein and I have started to exercise more. I guess this is just a process that I am determined to get through.

Ok all I am sorry I am so late with these but I had a yard sale this weekend and have been SUPER busy. I have gotten up at 4:00 the last two days and been up late.. But we made over 800.00 so it was worth it. I am still up now because I talked my family into taking the kids so my hubby and I could have a date. (Yes, a real date) It was so fun, we went and saw taladaga nights and devil wears proda. Ohh they are both awsome movies. If you like funny movies taladaga nights will have you peeing in your pants.. (don't drink alot before going) Then we went to outback. He wanted that for his last super.. I ate about 10 french fries, 3 bites of potatoes, and one coconut shrimp. And I was satified. I did try a bite of his steak, but ended spitting it in the napkin after chewing for seemed like an eternity. I am down 22 as of this morning... My dh and me have had alot of moments if you ladies know what I mean. I mean we have always had a good sex life but he's has been complmenting me latly and seems to be a bit more frisky.. Is this TMI? Hope not.. LOL OKOKOK on with bingo!!!!!! 1st two words are "July" "Scared" Good luck all!!!

Hi Jessica and YES, YES, I do have thrush. I am 5 weeks post op and was diagnosed at my 2 week follows-up. Excepting that, I had been very fortunate with no other complications or complaints. So, dr put me on Fluconazole. Within hours after starting that I went into a 9 day HORRIBLE time with explosive diarrhea (sorry, TMI). The drs office didn't associate my diarrhea with the fluconazole but instead blamed it on the fact that I was just starting puréed foods AND had had c-diff with a previous surgery. I was then put on a RX for Flagyl (to treat c-diff). Finally after testing clear for c-diff, I still continued taking the Flagyl and Culturelle as well as finished up the RX for thrush. Finally after 9 horrible days of the diarrhea it cleared up and I was able to go back to work last week. Then just yesterday I went back to surgeon for 5 week check up. I STILL have the thrush. So, this time they put me on the fluconazole and also a liquid oral treatment called nystatin. So took my first pill and mouth rinse last night and OMG, the horrible diarrhea is back again. I obviously now think this is from that RX. called my drs office this am and nurse told me to stop taking the rx and I'm waiting to hear further instructions from them. I want to get rid of this thrush, BUT, not with this diarrhea again. And, my initial tongue symptoms wee same as yours. I would make them check it, but, I sure hope you have better reaction to the treatment. Yuck! Good luck and let me know what you find out. cdf37 My apologies, I meant Jessie.

hiya girls jumped on scales this morning and weight i gained now lost again ...where is this baby ?can you believe im complaining about weight loss...lol..think some weight gain due to constipation which has now passed...eww...tmi think it also might be stress weight loss i gave up childminding job and girl who is minding baby now stressed out as baby bumped her head yesterday and she called me to go see her and check her over she was fine but i was dreading her parents reaction later when she saw her poor big purple bruise on forehead..shes crawling and headbutting anything in her way !! then i went to collect my boys from school and saw man accidently run over his own sons foot with his car and he was caught under the tyre screaming and i ran over to help and dozey buggar was about to reverse back arggggggggh i managed to free him but i reckon it was broken ...i spent rest of day feeling so dizzy and sick . thanks for kind comments on pics ...must put up some clothed ones though im a trollop..i do feel really well "glowing"but i get tired so easily and want to lay down and sleep alot unfortunately i dont get opportunity,well im off to do mount everest sized ironing pile....see i got tired just thinking about it !!

Is anyone taking something daily for constipation ? I know this is TMI but I am having a very hard time with this . What works best ??

I'm a 7/07 bander and want ask a tmi question from the 7/06 banders Here goes - :nervousHow is #2 for you.. :oHas it changed?? I had water in water out while on liquids - then got mushy last Thursday - had combo diarreah/baby poop - but i have to go often (not just once a day pre-band) and my hemroids (i know tmi) are killing me... I had some one tell me today that their gf who has been banded for a yr now has diarreah (sp) all the time and when she has to go she has to go.. So what's the answer???? Thanks,

Your right kermit, im in Spain now, waiting for my laundry to be washed. I am so pissed off right now because i could eat a whale too. And also one of my wounds is infected. i dont know whether to visit the doc over here, it will probably cost me a fortune. My medium sized wouond went a bit green and it now has formed a litlle pinhole and is weeping. Sorry for TMI. My dad thinks i should go the doc but he will probably give me antibiotics and then no Sangria for the rest of the week. Boo hoo. How are you getting on.

CONGRATZ! ON THE 75LB. Okay, how many calories are you eating? Give me a sample of what you eat in a day. I need help! By the way, I got a flu shot yesterday. Then I came home and ate a lean cuisine..two bites into it and yuk! pb'd. It lasted for an hour. I am so sore. I think some of it is the flu shot. I don't know when I am going to learn to chew , chew , chew. You would think that I would have learned my lesson last week. I have never been one to throw up unless I am deathly ill, but yesterday I was praying that food would come up. It is so painful. Okay, TMI.